Boots Hair Loss Treatment Regular Strength
(Minoxidil)
Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.
This medicine is available without prescription to treat a common form of baldness. However, you still need to use it carefully to get the best results from it.
- Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again
- Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice
What this medicine is for
This medicine contains Minoxidil which belongs to a group of medicines called vasodilators, which act on the scalp to help hair growth on bald and balding areas.
It can be used to treat a common form of baldness, which may be related to age or family history (called Alopecia Androgenetica). It may take up to four months of treatment before hair growth can be seen and regular use is required to keep the new hair growth.
Before you use this medicine
You should check with your doctor that your scalp is healthy and normal. This medicine can be used by adults aged 18 to 65 years. However, some people should not use this medicine or should seek the advice of their pharmacist or doctor first.
Do not use:
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medicine
If you have high blood pressure, or are taking medicines to control it
If you have any conditions affecting the scalp (e.g. psoriasis or sunburn)
If you have, or intend to have, a shaved scalp
If you are using, or intend to use, dressings on the scalp
If you are using, or intend to use, other products on the scalp
If you are under 18 years, or 66 years or older
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor:
- If you are unsure about the health of your scalp
- If you are unsure about the cause of your hair loss
Other important information
The solution is flammable. Keep the container and contents away from naked flames during use, storage and when disposing of the used product and packaging. Do not dry your hair with a hairdryer after using the medicine.
It may take up to 4 months for hair to grow and the new hair may be fine and similar to baby hair. Hair may not grow at all for some people, and if no hair growth occurs within 12 months you should stop using the medicine and talk to your doctor.
Information about some of the ingredients in this medicine: Propylene glycol may cause skin irritation (e.g. skin rash, red or itchy skin).
Alcohol (ethanol) will cause burning and irritation to the eyes or any broken skin or linings of the mouth, throat or nose. If solution comes into contact with the eyes or any broken skin or linings of the mouth, throat or nose bathe with plenty of cold tap water.
If you take or use other medicines
Before you use this, make sure that you tell your pharmacist about ANY other medicines you might be using at the same time, particularly the following:
- Medicines (e.g. steroid, vitamin A (tretinoin), dithranol or petrolatum medicines) or dressings that are applied directly to the scalp (these may increase the absorption of minoxidil, increasing the risk of side effects)
- Medicines which are used to treat high blood pressure
If you are unsure about interactions with any other medicines, talk to your pharmacist. This includes medicines prescribed by your doctor and medicine you have bought for yourself, including herbal and homeopathic remedies.
How to use this medicine
Check the seal is not broken before first use. If it is, do not use the medicine.
Clean and thoroughly dry the scalp before use.
Use one of the applicators provided and follow instructions.
Adults aged 18 to 65 years: Apply 1 ml to the bald or balding areas, twice a day. Do not use more than twice in 24 hours.
For use on the scalp only.
If you use your fingertips to spread solution across your scalp wash your hands afterwards.
Do not use on adolescents under 18 years or if you are an adult of 66 years or over.
Do not use more than the amount recommended.
- 1) Pump spray applicator
For large exposed areas of baldness- - On first use only spray several times away from head and body to ensure the spray is working correctly
- - Aim the pump at the centre of the bald area
- - Spray once only and use fingertips to spread medicine across the whole bald area
- - Repeat a further five times to make a total amount of six sprays (1 ml)
- - Do not breathe in the spray mist
- 2) Extended spray tip applicator
For smaller areas or bald areas covered by other hair- - This applicator attaches to the pump spray applicator. Both applicators must be used together to ensure the product works correctly
- - Follow instructions as for pump spray applicator
- 3) Dropper
- - Fill the dropper to the 1 ml mark
- - Apply the contents of the dropper to the bald area
If you forget to use the medicine use it as soon as you remember. Do not use more medicine to make up for the missed medicine or use more than twice in 24 hours as this may increase the risk of side effects occurring.
It may take up to 4 months or more to notice any growth of hair, and in some people hair may not grow at all. If no growth occurs after 12 months then stop using the medicine and talk to your doctor.
Regular use is required to maintain hair growth. If you stop using this medicine then any new hair will disappear after 3 to 4 months.
If you use too much or if anyone accidentally swallows some of the medicine: Talk to a doctor straight away. Take the solution and this leaflet with you.
Possible side effects
Most people will not have problems, but some may get some.
If you get any of these serious side effects, stop using the solution. See a doctor at once:
- Continuous irritation of the scalp (e.g. redness, itchiness)
- Chest pain, fast heart rate, swollen hands or feet, low blood pressure
- Fainting or feeling faint, dizziness
- Sudden unexplained weight gain
These other effects are less serious. If they bother you talk to a pharmacist:
- Changes in hair colour or texture of newly grown hair
- Facial hair growth
- Existing hair falling out (shedding) during the first two to six weeks of treatment. This normally reduces after a further two weeks of treatment and is related to old hairs falling out as new grow. If shedding continues stop using this solution and see your doctor
- Redness, itching, dry or flaky scalp
- An increase in hair loss
If any side effect becomes severe, or you notice any side effect not listed here, please tell your pharmacist or doctor.
How to store this medicine
Store below 25°C. Store upright in the original container. Protect from light.
Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard away from naked flames.
Use by the date on the end flap of the carton and on the label.
What is in this medicine
Each 1 ml of solution contains Minoxidil 20 mg, which is the active ingredient.
As well as the active ingredient, the solution also contains propylene glycol, ethanol, water.
The pack contains 60 ml of a clear, colourless to light yellow solution with an alcoholic odour.
Who makes this medicine
Manufactured for
by the Marketing Authorisation holder
The enclosed applicators (which include a pump spray, extended spray tip and dropper applicator) are CE registered components (CE 0120) and are registered to
Leaflet prepared March 2008
If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact
Other formats
To request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:
0800 198 5000 (UK only)
Please be ready to give the following information:
Product name: Boots Hair Loss Treatment Regular Strength
Reference number: 12063/0038
This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of the Blind.
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